Well, if we keep reading, we will find out.
Article 2 states this:
We know Him by two means:
First, by the creation, preservation and government of the universe, since that universe is before our eyes like a beautiful book
in which all creatures, great and small, are as letters to make us ponder the invisible things of God: His eternal power and His divinity, as the apostle Paul says in Romans 1:20.
All these things are enough to convict men and to leave them without excuse.
Second, He makes Himself known to us more openly by His holy and divine word, as much as we need in this life, for His glory and for the salvation of His own.
Not all of the posts will be as long as the other; sorry that was really long.
Anyways, Article 2.
We can know the God of Article 1--by two means or by two "books" as Guido writes. Or as what theologians call: General and Special Revelation.
General Revelation
First, "by the creation, preservation, and government of the universe, since that universe is before our eyes like a beautiful book..."
God the Creator:
The first way which we can get to know God is this--look around you.
Okay, first look up--the sky, clouds, sun, and possibly rainbow. At night it is the stars, moon and maybe even planets! Dark thunder clouds? Tornado twisters? Lightning? Snow, rain or hail falling?
Yeah, the God of Article 1 created all of that.
Okay, now look down--the dirt (maybe even a worm?), the gravel, the sand, the grass, the sticks and leaves on the ground, the mud and the rain puddles.
Yeah, the same God of Article 1 created all of that also.....
Okay, now look around---trees, animals, other humans, bodies of water, shrubs, plants, gardens, and others...
Yeah, the same God of Article 1 created all of that also....
Now look at yourself--your hands, toes, stomach, etc. God made all of that--and everything on the inside to function correctly also....
God the Preserver and Governor:
Okay, so all of those things going on above you, below you, around you and in you.....the same God that created ALL of that is the same God who preserves each item He created and also governs or rules each item He has created.
And throughout all of this general revelation of Himself through creation; this makes us ponder God's invisible qualities--"His eternal power and His divinity....all these things are enough to convict men and to leave them without excuse."
Basically what Guido is saying is....well actually He is quoting the Apostle Paul in Romans 1:20. God's power and divinity are on display throughout all of creation--therefore this leaves no one without an excuse for not knowing God because God has been and is continually and will continually reveal Himself to us through His creation.
Special Revelation
Secondly, we can get to know this God of Article 1 because "He makes Himself known more openly by his holy and divine Word..."
This is the Bible.
God reveals Himself to a greater extent and in a more personal way through His Word. It is absolutely amazing.
And He does this "as much as we need in this life" meaning that He doesn't give us more than we need and He doesn't give us less than we need--it is just the right amount. The perfect amount.
And this special revelation of Himself is done for two purposes:
1. For His Glory
2. For the salvation of His own.
He reveals Himself not in a selfish manner for His own glory, but it is for His own people; to see the gloriousness (not a word) of Himself.
What marvelous truths in this Article! God reveals Himself in creation for those who don't have His Word and for those who choose not to read His Word--and they are without excuse for not believing/knowing God!
And also, the same creation which God created--He sustains and governs!
And the same God who reveals Himself in His creation; also reveals Himself in His Word!
There are many passages of Scripture which speak of God's revelation; however, one that I memorized when I was a senior in high school was Psalm 19. Psalm 19 incorporates general and special revelation together into one passage; I encourage you to turn to your Bibles and mark it down; otherwise continue to read. Try and catch the two revelations in this passage--the General (creation) and Special (God's Word) Revelation:
(1)The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. (2) Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. (3) There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. (4) Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun, (5) which is like a bridegroom coming forth from His pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run His course. (6) It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.
(7) The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. (8) The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. (9) The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. (10) They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. (11) By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
(12) Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. (13) Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.
(14) May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer
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